HOw to festival
Pre-purchase your tickets to guarantee seats at your screening
Dress appropriately for comfort, variances among climate-controlled venues and the weather
Stop by the JDIFF Box Office & Information Center located at the Hotel Julien Dubuque for information on updated schedules, shuttles, and more
Saving seats in screening venues is not allowed, nor is saving space in line
Recording equipment of any kind is not permitted in any screening venue
Please turn off all mobile devices before film presentations
Please refrain from talking during film presentations
Don’t forget to submit your digital audience member ballot with the venue volunteer after each film screening
Please exit promptly and discard all trash in the appropriate containers
Where is the festival held?
JDIFF screenings and events take place at several venues in the downtown area, as well as Phoenix Theaters on the west end. Though our headquarters are based at the Hotel Julien Dubuque, our screening locations include the Five Flags Center, Grand Opera House, National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium, and Gary Dolphin’s Iron Bar. Coffee Talks and other events are often held at restaurants and bars in the area as well.
How do passes and tickets work?
Tickets can be purchased online and printed from home OR purchased at the Hotel Julien Dubuque Box Office. In order to guarantee a seat, tickets must be either ordered ahead of time either online or at the box office, printed, and presented to the volunteer at the venue. This also applies to any pass holder, voucher, or certificate. Limited seats are available for each screening. There will be no reserved seating for pass holders without a ticket. Ticket holders will be seated first, and any pass holders without a ticket will be seated last if spots are available. Please note: There is a processing fee charged with online orders. To receive a student discount, tickets must be picked up at the Hotel Julien Dubuque and students must present a valid student ID. Learn more about purchasing tickets or a pass.
How do I get around during the festival?
Our shuttle is available for travel to everything JDIFF, including screening venues around town. However, most of the festival is within easy walking distance (less than 5 minutes). Shuttles leave from Hotel Julien Dubuque, and pick-up is at the designated screening venues. To guarantee shuttle transportation, attendees can call our volunteer phone line.
If you’re driving, public parking is available for free in the Five Flags Parking Ramp at 100 W. 4th Street (also accessible from Main Street next to the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce). The ramp is centrally located, just a short walk to all of the venues. Metered parking is also available downtown.
I’m coming from out of town, where should I stay?
There are several hotels in the downtown area that we recommend for guests of the festival, including our festival headquarters at Hotel Julien Dubuque on Main Street, as well as the following.
These hotels are centrally located and are avid supporters of the festival. Because the festival attracts a large number of attendees and filmmakers, we recommend making reservations early. Learn more about where to stay and the community.
Where can I go for help during the festival?
During the festival, our team of dedicated volunteers is based out of the Hotel Julien Dubuque. There you can purchase tickets and passes, find screening schedules, and get assistance for all your festival needs. A remote volunteer station will also be posted at the Five Flags Center.
Where can I find a schedule of events?
A schedule of screenings and all other events will be available here and in the official printed film guide that is available at the festival.